1989 2.3L 4x2 Ranger gas mileage

Ok I just had a tune-up and was wondering what kind of gas mileage other ranger owners are getting. I'm easy on the go and stop nothing crazy. With a 17 gallon tank and would think about 20 miles per gallon I would get 340 or so out of a tank. I'm only getting 240 250 or so. Any ideas. No check lights also.

Mine is older. 1985. Gets about 25 mpg mixed driving. I go about 300 miles before the gauge nudges me to refuel (shows empty when it only wil take about 12 gallons.. It has a 5-speed manual trans, EFI, Duraspark(?) distributor, and a 4 spark plug head.
tom

I tuned up (at Ford Dealership (good friends)) about two weeks ago and no sensors were replaced. I do not get any EEC code either. Would the computer tell me (via code) that the O2 sensor was out. It did with the ECTS code 21, but I fixed that by a tune-up. Before the engine ran so cool that it stayed in closed loop. 28 would be great but I think I'm getting about 15 to 16 MPG.

Its doubtful you'd get a mixture code on an 89. They certainly have adaptive fuel trim, but I don't think Ford added the codes to let you know if it was running either too rich or too lean until 91. If you've never swapped out the O2 sensor personally, and it looks like it is one of the factory-type "skinny" O2 sensors, then it is probably need of replacement.

Ok guys I need help on my gas mileage with this 1989 2.3L 4x2 Ranger
I've had Ford tune the thing up. Timing belt, new wires, water pump fuel filter, air filter, even moble one and still getting 15.2 mpg.

A tuneup generally does not include the ECTS.(engine coolant temp sensor). If that has gone away, it will 'think' that the engine is cool.... and act as if you have the 'choke' turned on... too much fuel.
1)pull the codes
2)get a gauge and check your fuel pressure There is a schrader (tire 'valve stem' ) on the fuel rail that you can use with a gauge. If the regulator is broke, it can over pressure the system. Gauge is about $30 at parts store.
3)check operating temp. Does the engine warm up normally? If not, you may need a thermostat, as, again, the computer will think the engine needs more fuel.
4)Another sensor to test is the ACT (air charge temp) that 'knows' how warm the incoming air is. It is used to compensate for cold temperatures, and will add more fuel if it 'thinks' it is cold outside..
tom

Ah, had and '87. Routinely got 33-38. One memorable trip when I wasn't in a hurry I got 45mpg doing 50-55mph.

Of course, that was an '87 Ranger w/ 2.3L Mitsubishi Turbo Diesel. ;^) Only put them in 2 years, and I think Ford sold about 20 of them. I absolutely LOVED that engine 'til the downsides showed up.

Downsides:
1) Ford was only source of Oil filter. $30-$40 each depending on what kind of discount they wanted to give me.

2) And it had a rubber timing belt.... on a diesel enging. Had it replaced at a non-Ford shop, and they got the Harmonic balancer on backwards. Pulled the fan belt out of line. Fan belt grenades, a piece of it goes thru inspection hole and knocks the timing belt off. Scratch one crank, head, and 4 valves.

The first thing I had to do was block up 1/3 of the raditor to get the engine hotter. This 2.3L I4 was just running to cold, never got the the "N" on the guage. Now it's on the "R" and runs better. Next I replaced the O2 senser. When I replaced I noticed that one of the 3 pins was pushed up in to the connector. Not sure if it was ever working right. Now I get about 20 MPG in both City/Highway. I heard of a few getting better but tired of working on this thing.

Yeah theres alot you can do, my 96 gets 24 mpg on the highway but Its all above 75 mph, if i drop the speed to 65, I can 26.5 mpg. One trip to FL. traveling @ 55 I got 28 mpg. I'll run a half a can of Seafoam through the intake manifold to clean out the carbon, and dump the rest in the fuel tank. (every other oil change). Swap out the rear gear to 3.08.... They say not to clean the throttle body with carb cleaner but I have without any problems, try to clean your maf sensor with a good electrical contact cleaner too. they get a "patina" on them occasionally.

I have a 93 constantly makes over 24. How is the tire wear on the truck.
One overlooked thing in trying to find the reason for poor mieage is front
end alignment. Dragging tires across the road due to toe in being out eats
HP and fuel. Perhaps this will help.